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Hemoperitoneum in horses: 67 cases (1989-2004)
Julie E Dechant1, Jorge E Nieto, Sarah S Le Jeune
1Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, 95616, USA.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
|July 18, 2006
Summary
This study on equine hemoperitoneum found trauma, neoplasia, and idiopathic causes were most common. Identifying the cause is crucial for predicting short-term outcomes in horses with abdominal discomfort.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Equine Internal Medicine
- Abdominal Surgery
Background:
- Hemoperitoneum, or blood in the abdominal cavity, is an uncommon but significant condition in horses.
- Clinical presentation can range from mild abdominal discomfort to signs of shock.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical findings, etiologies, and short-term outcomes of hemoperitoneum in horses.
- To determine factors associated with poor prognosis in affected horses.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective case series analysis of 67 horses diagnosed with hemoperitoneum between 1989 and 2004.
- Data collected included signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic results, and patient outcomes.
Main Results:
- The most frequent causes identified were trauma (25.4%), neoplasia (17.9%), and idiopathic (22.4%).
- Clinical signs included abdominal discomfort (79%), shock (60%), and pale mucous membranes (60%).
- Survival to hospital discharge was 51%, with 37% euthanized and 12% dying; high respiratory rate and specific causes were linked to poor outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Hemoperitoneum in horses, while infrequent, necessitates prompt evaluation due to its potential severity.
- Trauma, neoplasia, and idiopathic causes are the leading etiologies.
- Understanding the underlying cause is critical for prognostic assessment and guiding treatment decisions.
